1986 Oldsmobile Delta 88 review from North America
"Good model and engine, but pick up an '87 or later model"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Speed sensor fell off the car at 112,000 miles - Cost $100 (junk yard).
Timing chain broke at 114,000 miles and bent valves - cost $1700. Recommendation, change it/have it changed at recommended intervals.
Steering column loosened up (I mean very loose) circa 117,000 miles. Took most of a day and a special tool to get to the bolts. Cost about $20 for the tool and $1.50 for the Loctite to prevent future occurances.
Starter went around 120,000 miles. Took two hours to replace. Cost - $60.
The alternator went at 125,000 miles. Cost - $60.
Windshield wiper motor went at some point in here. I don't remember what I paid for it.
130,000 miles - Transmission was slipping. Required a complete rebuild. Cost - $1200.
175,000 miles - Transmission needed to be rebuilt again. After doing some research, I found out that:
a) `85 was the first year that GM attempted a front wheel drive transmission for the full size model, and they didn't get it perfected until 1987.
b) You could use the transmissions from similar model cars up to 1990. Bought a used transmission at a junk yard from a 1990 Chevrolet Celebrity with 85,000 miles for $400 and installed it. So far so good.
General comments?
The 3.8 Liter V-6 is an excellent engine which doesn't burn any oil and gets excellent gas mileage for the power it provides (about 30MPG highway).
Proper maintenance could have prevented the timing chain problem, but the transmission for this year is bad news.
Overall this car has been reliable, only leaving me broken down on the side of the road once.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1994 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8 Liter V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 108000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 219000 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Beetle |
| Date of Entry | 23rd January, 2001 |